RV Decisions: The Fifth Wheel Vs. the Travel Trailer

Once you’ve decided to buy a recreational vehicle, you face a bunch more choices. One of the biggest is choosing between a drivable RV or a towable RV. If you’re one of the folks who has decided on a towable, your next big decision is: Fifth wheel or travel trailer? Each one has its benefits, but which one is right for your camping needs?

Here at Rte. 125 RV & Marine, we’re happy to talk through the pros and cons with you in person. Just come in and see us at our dealership in Rochester, New Hampshire, where we serve our neighbors in Maine and Massachusetts, too. In the meantime, here are some of the pros and cons of each type. 

Price

The cost-conscious buyer will be drawn to travel trailers over fifth wheels. While both options can be economical, travel trailers are lighter and tend to be smaller, so they’re less expensive. They are also more economical in terms of maintenance, insurance, and accessories. Being smaller, they’re easier to store. 

Size

Because the hitch of a fifth wheel can carry more weight than a standard trailer hitch, these RVs can be a lot bigger. If your priority is maximum towable real estate, the fifth wheel will float your boat. Fifth wheels tend to be larger and taller, so you can get an interior that feels like an upscale condo with high ceilings and slide-outs that maximize interior space. If you have a big family, a fifth wheel will generally offer more sleeping berths, more living space, and storage spaces for all your gear. 

On the other hand, if your priority is a smaller rig that can more easily fit into small camping and parking spaces, the lighter, smaller travel trailer is your best bet. 

Towing Considerations

Anyone can tow either a travel trailer or a fifth wheel with some practice. Each one has its own advantages, though.

If you choose a fifth wheel, you need to have a pickup bed for the unique hitching system that characterizes this type of RV. Your towing vehicle needs to have plenty of power to haul such a heavy rig. The good news is that fifth wheel hitch connections are very secure and reduce trailer sway.

A travel trailer is pulled with a standard bumper-pull trailer hitch, so it can be towed by any style of vehicle. It’s still critical that the towing vehicle has adequate power to pull the weight of the trailer. Travel trailers can vary widely in weight, so make sure that you are choosing a trailer that your current vehicle is capable of towing, or be prepared to upgrade your towing vehicle. 

Come check out our travel trailers and 5th wheels at Rte. 125 RV & Marine in Rochester, New Hampshire, serving the RV community in Maine as well. We look forward to helping you navigate your choices and get out on the road!